The San Francisco 49ers have an intriguing rookie class this year. Immediately after the draft concluded, many in NFL media felt like the 49ers reached on several picks.
This is a recurring criticism of the John Lynch regime, but it hasn’t prevented the team from being a perpetual contender. Plus, the early returns have been promising with this class, especially at the top.
Today, let’s see where all the rookies are at and see who is trending up and who is trending down.
Round 2: WR De’Zhaun Stribling- Stock Soaring
De’Zhaun Stribling has had as good a summer as anyone could have hoped for. The rookie got rave reviews earlier this summer for his mix of size and speed, and that has carried over to training camp and the preseason.
Against the Titans, Stribling caught a team-high seven passes for 63 yards. Even more impressively, the rookie did that against the Titans’ starters. Stribling is now seriously in consideration for a starting role.
Round 3: EDGE Romello Height- Stock Down
Romello Height has a golden opportunity this summer to cement his place in the rotation. The 49ers have Nick Bosa at one edge rusher spot, but the other spot is more up for grabs.
Height has mostly been quiet at training camp, though, and he didn’t do much against the Titans. Veteran edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, who is fighting for a roster spot, was the only edge rusher to collect a sack in that game. Height ended with just one tackle, which is disappointing considering how bad the Titans’ line is.
Height can still be a very good player one day, he just might not be the most impactful player from Day 1.
Round 3: RB Kaelon Black- Stock Up
Kaelon Black suffered an adductor injury at the beginning of camp and has been out since. However, the rookie returned to practice on Tuesday, so his stock is definitely on the rise.
Black looked explosive before his injury, and we’ve seen realized that the depth behind him is non-existent. Assuming he stays healthy, Black will play a rotational role this year and fight Jordan James for the RB2 job.
Round 4: DT Gracen Halton- Stock Up
Whenever Trent Williams compliments you, you know your stock is on the rise. Williams took time to praise Gracen Halton over the weekend after the rookie had a nice showing against the Titans.
Halton picked up four tackles and had a nice stuff of Tyjae Spears in the backfield. The 49ers’ depth at defensive tackle isn’t great, and Alfred Collins has been really disappointing so far. If Halton keeps impressing, he could find himself in a larger role than anybody expected as a rookie.
Round 4: OL Carver Willis- Stock Up
Carver Willis played tackle in college, but the 49ers are moving him to guard. That’s what’s needed considering the 49ers have a gaping hole at left guard right now.
Willis unfortunately missed time at camp with an injury, but he’s back and healthy now. It was also recently revealed that Willis is indeed in the running for the left guard job due to struggles from Connor Colby and Robert Jones.
If Willis impresses in the next two preseason games, he will end up as a starter in Week 1.
Round 4: CB Ephesians Prysock- Stock Up
The 49ers’ starters at cornerback are set, but there are some depth spots up for grabs. Ephesians Prysock was probably always making the team, but after his preseason debut, he took away any doubt.
Prysock has looked fast and twitchy this summer and he showed off his ball skills against the Titans. It won’t be surprising to learn the rookie has surpassed Nate Hobbs and others in the pecking order.
Round 5: LB Jaden Dugger- Stock Up
Unless injuries happen, it’s unlikely that Jaden Dugger will play a big role as a rookie. The 49ers have Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and Tatum Bethune atop the linebacker depth chart, but Dugger has still impressed with his opportunities.
The rookie looked fast against the Titans and collected two tackles. Dugger seems quick enough to become a reliable coverage linebacker one day, and his progress has seemingly made Nick Martin expendable.
Round 5: OL Enrique Cruz Jr.- Stock Down
The biggest thing in Enrique Cruz’s favor is that the 49ers don’t have great depth at tackle. Veteran Vederian Lowe is going to make the team, but it seems like there should be a spot for Cruz as well.
The rookie has to start performing better quickly, though. Cruz, and the rest of the backup linemen, weren’t great against the Titans. Cruz is behind Lowe and Austen Pleasants on the depth chart now, and it will be hard to climb back up before Week 1.
